About Me - Ko Wai Au

Ko Aoraki te maunga
Ko Ruapuke te whenua
Ko te Ara a Kiwa te moana
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Awarua tōku runanga
Ko te Rau Aroha tōku marae
Ko Ngāi Tahu te iwi
Ko Debbie Gee tōku ingoa
He ringa tūhono ahau

My name is Debbie Gee. I am of Ngāi Tahu descent, but I grew up in the culturally diverse area of Māngere, in South Auckland. I’m passionate about helping people in dispute to work out their differences through conversation and dialogue.

I’m qualified in a range of alternative dispute resolution practises and techniques such as mediation and facilitation. Recognising that being in conflict and seeking mediation can be a stressful experience, my first step in mediation or facilitation is to try to put people at ease, explain the what to expect, and establish a safe, empathetic and neutral environment.

My role as a mediator is to up communication between both parties in a dispute so they can better understand each other’s points of view and explore options for sustainable solutions they can commit to. I combine the soft skills of open listening, empathy, rapport-build and the ability to put people at ease with robust professional neutrality, impartiality and fair and open process